Transient Hypothyroidism: Causes and Cures

Transient hypothyroidism, as the name suggests, is a temporary type of hypothyroidism that can affect both adults and new born infants.

Transient Congenital Hypothyroidism In Newborns

Transient congenital hypothyroidism is transient hypothyroidism in new born babies, notably premature and low birth weight infants, and is more common than you’d expect. Around 10 to 20% of new born infants have this type of hypothyroidism but most are producing normal levels of thyroid hormone by the time they’re several months old.

The most common causes of transient congenital hypothyroidism are:

Too much iodine

Too little iodine

Transfer of thyrotropin receptor blocking antibodies from the mother during gestation

Maternal use of anti-thyroid drugs during gestation

Excess Iodine

A study in Italy found that in half of infants diagnosed with transient hypothyroidism the culprit was excessive exposure to iodine either in utero or at birth. An iodine rich medication called amiodrarone is used to regulate heart rhythm. If either the mother, or the fetus, are given this it can disrupt thyroid function in the unborn infant. Other sources of iodine that have the ability to interrupt neonatal thyroid function include use of iodine based disinfectants (ie povidone) during the birthing process, for treating the umbilical stump, and disinfecting skin (injection sites, surgery). Further to this, an iodinated contrast substance may be injected to highlight major veins so they show up on radiographic equipment.

Insufficient Iodine

Insufficient iodine can also cause transient hypothyroidism in new born infants. Premature babies are especially susceptible to this due to an immature HPT axis that is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. They also have a reduced capacity to convert T4 to T3.

Maternal Anti-Bodies

A third of the cases in the Italian study were attributed to placental transfer of maternal TSH receptor blocking anti-bodies during pregnancy. Notably this occurs in mothers that have some form of autoimmune thyroid disease themselves. These anti-bodies block the TSH receptors in the baby’s thyroid gland, preventing it from producing its own TSH. This type of transient congenital hypothyroidism begins to correct itself between 3 and 6 months as the mother’s anti-body levels reduce.

Anti-Thyroid Drugs

Some anti-thyroid drugs may also cause transient hypothyroidism in the fetus if they cross the placenta during fetal development. The drop in the infant’s thyroid hormone production is usually short-lived – from a few days to a few weeks after birth. However, in severe cases it can cause the thyroid glands to become enlarged to the point where they affect the baby’s airways.

Interesting Questions about Thyroid:

Thyroid Hormone Pills

When are thyroid hormone pills used?

Thyroid hormone pills provide the body with the right amount of thyroid hormone when the gland is not able to produce enough by itself. The pills are frequently needed after surgeryor radioactive iodine therapy.

Thyroid hormone tablets are the standard treatment for hypothyroidism. While symptoms usually get better within a few months, most patients must take the pills for the rest of their lives. This is especially true for hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or radioactive iodine treatment.

If the entire thyroid gland has been surgically removed, thyroid hormone tablets replace the body’s own source of the hormone. If only a part of the gland has been removed, the pills may keep the remaining gland from working too hard. This decreases the chance that the thyroid gland will grow back.

How much hormone do I need?

The preferred hormone for treatment is levothyroxine (T4). You should use only the brand-name that your doctor prescribes, since generic brands may not be as reliable. Name-brand levothyroxine pills include Synthroid®, Levoxyl®, Levothroid®, Euthyrox®, and Eltroxin®.

Patients sometimes take more pills than they should, trying to speed up the treatment or lose weight. However, this can lead to hyperthyroidism and long term complications, such as osteoporosis. You should take the pills as your doctor prescribes.

At different times in your life, you may need to take different amounts of thyroid hormone. Therefore, you should see your doctor at least once a year to make sure everything is all right.

® Synthroid is a registered trademark of Knoll Pharmaceuticals.
® Levoxyl is a registered trademark of Jones Medical Industries.
® Levothroid is a registered trademark of Forest Pharmaceuticals.
® Euthyrox is a registered trademark of EM Pharma.
® Eltroxin is a registered trademark of Roberts Pharmaceuticals.

Are thyroid hormone pills needed after treatment for hyperthyroidism? Many patients treated for hyperthyroidism become hypothyroid. They will need to take thyroid hormone pills for the rest of their lives. In addition, they will need to see their doctor at least once a year.

What is Exophthalmos?

Hyperthyroidism from any cause can make the upper eyelids pull back, but Graves’ disease often causes one or both eyes to bulge out of their sockets. This condition, known as exophthalmos, can cause loss of eye muscle control, double vision, and (rarely) loss of vision. Most cases require no treatment, but some patients may need to see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for specialized treatment. This may include steroids, radiation, or surgery.

Beta-Blocking Drugs

When are beta-blocking drugs used?

Beta-blocking drugs, also called beta blockers, treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. They do not significantly affect the gland or the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Instead, they “block” the effects of thyroid hormones.

Beta blockers are most useful for patients whose hyperthyroidism makes them uncomfortable. High hormone levels can cause a faster heart rate and trembling. Beta-blocking drugs help control these symptoms.

Diagnosing Transient Hypothyroidism In Newborns

In most developed countries advanced newborn screening (NBS) programs done between 2 and 4 days of age will now pick up thyroid abnormalities, allowing for appropriate treatment as required. Where such programs are not available the effects of transient congenital hypothyroidism are usually not seen until several weeks after birth because the infant is temporarily protected by maternal thyroxine received during gestation. However, as this thyroxine drops away deficiencies in the infant’s own thyroid will start to become apparent.

As babies can also be born with either permanent congenital hypothyroidism or secondary or central hypothyroidism, the first step with infants diagnosed with thyroid abnormalities is to establish what type they have. Infants returning results consistent with either of these will be started almost immediately on thyroid medications and will continue to require these for the rest of their lives. Those with NBS results strongly indicative of transient hypothyroidism are usually re-screened after a couple of weeks and if hormone levels are within normal range will not generally require any treatment.

Those who are still abnormal ie showing high TSH levels, will be started on thyroxine treatment to prevent brain abnormalities but will be re-assessed at 3 years of age. This is due to the fact that with these cases, at this age, it’s almost impossible to determine whether they have the transient or congenital form of the disease. Therefore treatment is started as a preventative because elevated TSH levels persisting beyond 4 weeks of age affects the development of the brain.

For more information about treatment options for infant hypothyroidism based on results of NBS testing visit this link.

Transient Hypothyroidism In Adults

Transient hypothyroidism (thyroiditis) in adults usually occurs after some type of trigger causes a temporary reduction in thyroid hormone production resulting in hypothyroidism-like symptoms:

immune reaction (silent thyroiditis)

pregnancy and child birth (postpartum thyroiditis)

infection (subacute thyroiditis)

thyroiditis caused by TSH receptor-blocking anti-bodies

In most cases, thyroid function returns to normal after a period of time with treatment. However, in some cases it may become permanent hypothyroidism.

Thyromine is a health supplement that helps provide nutrition to the thyroid gland to help it function healthily. Thyromine can help treat both under and over active thyroid problems.

Thyromine was originally created because researchers found that the thyroid gland often had issues that it could reverse on its own if it were getting the proper nutrition it needed. The nutrition that thyroid glands need is amino acids, iodine and vitamins and minerals found in vegetables. Thyromine is a complete supplement that provides all the nutrients the thyroid gland needs.

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Your Thyroid – Where Is It And What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the base of your throat, below your voice box. Thyroid tissue is secretes 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. These hormones are thyroid thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Most people assume that metabolism is about the gastrointestinal tract and yes, it is. But it’s also about cellular metabolism. This is how your cells get fuel to produce the energy needed for cellular functions.

Thyroid hormones play an integral regulatory role in this process. Every cell in your body has thyroid hormone (TH) receptors. This means they ALL need TH at some point to function.

Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Production

Most of the hormone produced by the thyroid is T4 (around 80%) and the rest is T3. The body can’t use T4 so it’s converted to the more metabolically active T3 elsewhere in the body. T3 is then used to regulate a myriad of metabolic processes at cellular level.

When you have low thyroxine levels (T4) it means you’ll also have low levels of T3. This type of thyroid imbalance causes serious health problems. For a start, it means processes like insulin mediated glucose uptake are impaired. Glucose is your body’s primary source of cellular fuel. If your cells can’t get enough glucose to generate energy, they can’t function correctly. That in turn means you won’t function very well!

The Many Different Thyroid Problems

The power factories in cells (mitochondria) also need TH. TH ensures they receive enough glucose to produce energy. It also regulates the generation of new mitochondria. Without enough TH cells can’t produce new power factories to replace old ones as they die off. That’s on top of not getting enough fuel to produce energy!

This is why low TH levels can affect every major system and organ in your body. Blood circulation and pressure. Heart health. Body temperature. Mood and neurological function. Skin health and so on. They all rely on having healthy, functioning cells. But without correct cellular metabolism happening, they can’t be healthy. And that has disastrous consequences for your health!

Hypothyroidism – Low Thyroid Hormone Disorder

Serious thyroid deficiency disease, or hypothyroidism, affects around 2 to 3% of Americans. A further 10 – 15% have some form of subclinical hypothyroid disorder. Some experts believe the true figure is more like 80 – 90%! This makes hypothyroidism the most common of all thyroid conditions in humans.

Common Thyroid Syndrome Symptoms

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms that range from being almost undetectable to life threatening. It depends on the stage the disease is at. There is a list of the most common problems due to thyroid malfunction here.

Causes Of Thyroid Dysfunction

Many things can cause thyroid dysfunction. Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developing countries. In developed countries it’s Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Other causes include thyroid tumors as well as pituitary and hypothalamus disorders. Radioactive treatment and some types of drugs are other common causes. Pregnancy is another. Menopausal women are also far more likely to develop this disorder than men.

Disclaimer: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. The Thyroid Guide does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by The Thyroid Guide are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

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Are Thyroid Problems Common?

Thyroid function problems are relatively common. Thyroid hormone disease results from overactive or underactive thyroid function. Of these two, the underactive thyroid function disorder hypothyroidism is far more common. Around 2 – 3% of people in the US have diagnosed severe hypothyroidism. A further 10 – 15% have subclinical forms of the disease. Experts though believe that true thyroid system dysfunction figures are much higher. Some believe it could be as high as 80 – 90% of the population!

Common Thyroid Disorders And Diseases

Diseases related to thyroid disorders include Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease. It is the most widespread thyroid disorder in developed countries. It causes hypothyroidism. Other thyroid diseases and disorders include Graves Disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, goiter and thyroiditis are other diseases of this gland.

Thyroid Functions And Problems

The thyroid produces 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. The hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Problems in thyroid hormone production affect the entire body. Thyroid hormone controls metabolic function and energy production, right down to cellular level. When cells can’t get enough raw materials to produce energy, they can’t function correctly. This leads to problems with blood circulation. Also heart function, mood, body temperature and more.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms And Treatment

Thyroid symptoms causes a range of associated health disorders. Poor blood circulation slows down distribution of nutrients and oxygen to cells. This exacerbates the problems caused by lack of thyroid hormones. It also slows down removal of toxins from cells, causing toxic build up. This in turn sets off inflammation. A slow down in cellular metabolism causes lack of energy and sluggishness. It also contributes to a drop in basal temperature. This is the underlying mechanism for the characteristic hypothyroiditic low body temperature.

Thyroid hormones are involved in the production of important mood regulating neurotransmitters. Low levels of TH cause imbalances in these neurotransmitters. This affects mood. And contributes to the depression that so often comes with hypothyroidism. Which in turn contributes to stress and anxiety. And to the cascade of health problems that come with those.

Can Thyroid Disorders Be Treated Successfully?

Treatment for underactive thyroid disorders is with thyroid hormone replacement drugs. When taken according to instructions, most patients live normal, healthy lives.

Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTI)

Sometimes patients without thyroid-based illness will return abnormal results in thyroid function tests. This is Euthyroid sick syndrome or an NTI. Most patient recover full thyroid function once the NTI has passed.

Thyroid Symptoms Treatment

If you have thyroid issue symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even though many symptoms are common to a range of other health conditions, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Most countries have official organizations that provide information and advice about thyroid conditions. There are also charities like Thyroid UK that offer support for people that have thyroid and similar disorders.